A key committee in the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of removing tariffs on a wide range of United States imports, in a move designed to advance a previously agreed trade framework with Washington and prevent renewed transatlantic trade tensions.
The decision followed an agreement reached last year between the European Union and the United States during negotiations held at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
Under the deal, the EU committed to eliminating import duties on American industrial goods and easing access for US agricultural and seafood products, while accepting 15 per cent tariffs on most EU exports to the United States.
Despite the agreement being in place for several months, full implementation has been delayed, drawing criticism from President Trump, who has warned of higher tariffs if the EU fails to act before a July 4 deadline.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament’s trade committee approved the proposed legislation by 31 votes to six, with three abstentions.
The bill also maintained zero tariffs on U.S. lobster imports, a provision first introduced under a 2020 arrangement.
Although the measure still requires approval by the full European Parliament in June, the committee vote is widely viewed as a major step toward final adoption.
The development comes as both sides attempt to stabilise one of the world’s largest trading relationships, valued at an estimated $2 trillion annually in goods and services, despite ongoing disputes over tariffs and trade imbalances.
However, concerns remain within the EU about the terms of the agreement and external political pressure.
The lawmakers have inserted safeguards allowing the deal to be suspended if the United States fails to meet its obligations, while also setting an automatic expiry at the end of 2029 unless renewed.
The Trump administration has indicated it will review whether the added conditions align with the original agreement.
